On the 18th of January 1854, 162 years ago to the day, Charles Haddon Spurgeon preached his first sermon at New Park Street chapel. He was 19 years old. The church was nearly empty, about 40 members in attendance. After 38 years as their pastor, the number of new members who had joined the church was 14,460.<\/p>\n
Spurgeon\u2019s sermons were different from the longwinded, technical, theological lectures that were common in churches of the day. His sermons were humorous, filled with illustrations, and application. Soon he became known as the Prince of Preachers, the pastor of the largest church in the world, with one of the most successful Baptist ministries since, well, John the Baptist.<\/p>\n
He started orphanages, dozens of outreach ministries, and a pastor\u2019s training college with 900 students.<\/p>\n
His success was obvious, but the reason for his success was not as obvious, except to those who knew him well.<\/p>\n